What Size Door Hinges Do I Need?
Choosing the right door hinge size doesn't need to be complicated. For most internal doors, you'll usually be looking at either 3" (76mm) hinges or 4" (102mm) hinges.
The right size depends mainly on your door thickness, weight and type. A standard lightweight internal door needs less support than a heavy solid timber or fire door.
The Quick Answer
Standard 35mm internal door?
A 3" (76mm) hinge is a common choice.
Thicker 44mm or heavier door?
A 4" (102mm) hinge is often more suitable.
Fire door?
You'll need suitable fire-rated hinges that meet the requirements of your particular door.
Heavy or frequently used door?
Consider ball bearing or heavy-duty hinges and check the manufacturer's weight rating.
That's the simple answer. If you're still unsure, we'll explain each option below.
Door Hinge Size Guide
| Your Door | Typical Hinge Choice |
|---|---|
| Standard 35mm internal door | 3" (76mm) |
| Heavier 35mm internal door | 3" (76mm) or 4" (102mm) – check weight |
| 44mm thick door | Often 4" (102mm) |
| Fire door | Suitable fire-rated hinge – often 4" (102mm) |
| Heavy solid timber door | 4" (102mm) / heavy-duty hinge |
| High-use commercial door | Commercial / heavy-duty hinge |
| Door needs extra clearance | Projection hinge |
| Door needs to clear a deep reveal | Parliament hinge |
Important: This is a general guide. Always check the manufacturer's recommended door weight, dimensions, number of hinges and intended use before ordering.
3" (76mm) Door Hinges
A 3" (76mm) door hinge is one of the most common sizes for standard domestic internal doors.
They're commonly used with 35mm thick internal doors, including bedroom, living room, dining room and home office doors.
For a standard lightweight internal door, a good-quality 3" (76mm) hinge will often be the first size to consider.
However, don't choose on size alone. A solid timber door can be considerably heavier than a hollow or lightweight internal door, even if they're the same thickness.
4" (102mm) Door Hinges
A 4" (102mm) door hinge is commonly used when a door is thicker, heavier or used more frequently.
Depending on the hinge specification, they're often used on:
- 44mm thick doors
- Heavy internal doors
- Solid timber doors
- Fire doors
- Entrance doors
- High-use or commercial doors
For heavier doors, 4" (102mm) ball bearing hinges are a popular choice because the bearings help reduce friction and provide smooth operation.
Remember, a 4" hinge isn't automatically stronger just because it's larger. Always check its maximum recommended door weight and specification.
35mm or 44mm Door – Which Hinges Do I Need?
If you don't know where to start, measure the thickness of your door.
35mm Doors
Many standard domestic internal doors are approximately 35mm thick.
For a standard lightweight 35mm internal door, 3" (76mm) hinges are commonly used.
44mm Doors
Heavier doors and many timber fire doors are approximately 44mm thick.
For these doors, 4" (102mm) hinges are commonly used, subject to the weight and specification of the door.
Don't Forget the Door Weight
Door thickness is only a starting point.
A lightweight internal door and a solid oak door could both have similar dimensions but weigh very different amounts.
So when choosing hinges, think about:
Door thickness + door weight + intended use.
How Many Hinges Do I Need on a Door?
Many lightweight internal doors have traditionally been fitted with two hinges, although fitting three can provide additional support and stability.
Heavier doors, fire doors and commercial doors commonly require three or more hinges, depending on the door and hinge manufacturer's requirements.
If you're fitting a fire door or particularly heavy door, don't simply add another standard hinge. Make sure the hinges themselves are suitable for the application.
What Hinges Do I Need for a Fire Door?
A fire door needs hinges that are suitable for use as part of the particular fire-door assembly.
Many timber fire doors are approximately 44mm thick, and 4" (102mm) fire-rated hinges are commonly used.
However, don't choose fire-door hinges based on size alone.
Check the requirements for your particular door, including:
- Fire rating
- Door size
- Door weight
- Number of hinges required
- Hinge specification
- Fitting instructions
Suitable intumescent hinge pads may also be required behind the hinges as part of the specified installation. Intumescent material expands when exposed to high temperatures and helps protect the areas where the hardware is fitted.
If you're replacing hinges on an existing fire door, don't simply buy hinges that look the same. Make sure the replacements are suitable for the fire-door application.
What Hinges Do I Need for a Heavy Door?
If you have a heavy solid timber door or a door that's opened and closed frequently, consider a higher-performance hinge.
Ball bearing hinges are a popular choice for heavier and frequently used doors. Bearings within the hinge help reduce friction and provide smooth operation.
For particularly heavy or high-use doors, you may need heavy-duty or commercial hinges.
The easiest way to choose is to check the hinge manufacturer's maximum recommended door weight before ordering.
What Are Parliament Hinges?
You may need Parliament hinges when your door has to open around a deep wall, reveal or wide architrave.
The extended hinge moves the pivot point further away from the door frame, giving the door additional clearance as it opens.
With Parliament hinges, don't just look at the hinge height. You need to work out how much clearance your door needs.
What Are Projection Hinges?
Projection hinges are another option when a standard hinge doesn't give your door enough clearance.
They can help a door open past:
- Deep architraves
- Decorative mouldings
- Wall panelling
- Other projecting features
Projection hinges are available with different amounts of projection, so measure how much clearance you need before ordering.
Other Types of Door Hinges
Once you know approximately what size of hinge you need, you may need to choose a particular hinge type.
| Hinge Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Ball Bearing Hinges | Heavy or frequently used doors |
| Butt Hinges | Standard timber internal doors |
| Washered Hinges | Smooth everyday domestic use |
| Rising Butt Hinges | Extra clearance over carpets or flooring |
| 3D Concealed Hinges | Modern doors where the hinge is hidden |
| Cabinet Hinges | Kitchens, wardrobes and fitted furniture |
Each hinge name can link directly to the relevant collection, allowing customers to learn more or start shopping without making this guide unnecessarily long.
→ Shop Ball Bearing Hinges
→ Shop Butt Hinges
→ Shop Washered Hinges
→ Shop Rising Butt Hinges
→ Shop 3D Concealed Hinges
→ Shop Cabinet Hinges
Replacing Old Door Hinges – What Do I Measure?
If you're replacing existing hinges and the door currently works correctly, matching the old hinge dimensions can make fitting the replacements much easier.
There are four main hinge measurements to check:
1. Hinge Height
Measure from the top to the bottom of the hinge.
2. Overall Width
Open the hinge flat and measure across both leaves.
3. Leaf Width
Measure the width of an individual hinge leaf.
4. Hinge Thickness
Measure the thickness of the hinge leaf, particularly if you're fitting into an existing recess.
It's also useful to check the screw-hole positions if you want to minimise additional drilling.
Finally, measure your door thickness and consider its approximate weight.
So, What Size Door Hinges Should I Buy?
I'd put this section in a coloured or outlined box on the Shopify page because it's the answer customers are looking for.
Standard 35mm Internal Door
Start with 3" (76mm) door hinges.
44mm or Heavier Door
Consider 4" (102mm) hinges and check the weight rating.
Fire Door
Choose suitable fire-rated hinges for your particular door specification.
Heavy or Frequently Used Door
Consider ball bearing or heavy-duty hinges.
Need to Clear an Architrave or Wall?
Look at Parliament or projection hinges.
Door Catching on Carpet?
Consider rising butt hinges.
Want Hidden Hinges?
Consider 3D concealed hinges.
Shop Door Hinges at Choice Handles
Choosing the correct door hinge size and type will help your doors open smoothly, stay correctly aligned and provide reliable everyday performance.
Explore our complete range of Door Hinges, including 3" (76mm) hinges, 4" (102mm) hinges, fire-rated hinges, ball bearing hinges, butt hinges, washered hinges, Parliament hinges, projection hinges, rising butt hinges and concealed hinges.
Our hinges are available in a wide selection of finishes, making it easy to coordinate them with your door handles, door knobs, locks and latches and other architectural ironmongery.
Still Not Sure?
If you're unsure which hinges to order, contact the Choice Handles team with your door thickness, dimensions, approximate weight and what the door is being used for. We can help you find the most suitable hinges for your project.